Writing Techniques

You will be learning prewriting techniques which can be used to generate ideas for writing projects.

A useful technique in the creating stage is cubing. Cubing helps you explore your subject quickly from different angles or points of view.

Imagine a solid cube with an activity or angle printed on each of its sides.

Then you would read over the notes you made to find one angle that brings an essay into focus for you.

Rules? Here they are:

1. Use all six sides of the cube.

2. Move fast. Take only three to five minutes for each side.

What are the six angles or activities on the cube? Here's the list. We suggest you do them in this order:

1. Describe it. (Look closely and tell what you see.)

2. Compare/Contrast it. (What is it similar to? different from?)

3. Associate it. (What does it remind you of? What other associations come to mind?)

4. Analyze it. (Tell how it's made; make it up if you aren't sure.)

5. Apply it. (Tell what you can do with it. How can it be used?)

6. Argue for or against it. (Take a stand. Give any reasons--silly, serious, or in between.)

Remember, do all six when you cube a topic, and move fast.

When you finish, read what you have written for each. When one angle looks promising, you have come up with a focus for your essay.

You'll know it when it happens; you'll have the urge to zoom in on the topic and write.